CLASSIC car enthusiasts are being invited to gear up for the very first Mary Ann Evans Hospice Classic Car Run next month.

The event takes place on Sunday August 7 and forms part of the Nuneaton hospice’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

Organisers hope many enthusiasts who may have been disappointed by the cancellation of this year’s Coventry Motoring Festival will join in the day to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

The classic cars taking part will set off from the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, following a route which meanders through the villages of north Warwickshire before ending up at the Bosworth Water Trust at Market Bosworth, Leicestershire.

Julia Johnson, trusts administrator at the Hospice and organiser of the event, said: “We already have around 50 cars entered, representing a broad spectrum of models from an Austin 7 to a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, including entries from as far afield as Somerset and Devon.

“It is also an opportunity for classic car enthusiasts who may have been disappointed by the cancellation of this year’s Coventry Motoring Festival run to drive their pride and joy in a similar event.”

The Telegraph revealed last month that the popular Coventry event had been cancelled this year after organisers claimed it had “outgrown” its current home at the War Memorial Park.

They pledged to bring it back as a bigger event next year.

The hospice’s inaugural run has been sponsored by Market Bosworth based Rolls-Royce and Bentley parts specialists, Flying Spares.

Peter Johnson, from Flying Spares, said: “We are happy to support this excellent event, which will raise awareness as well as much needed funds for the hospice. A number of our customers will. be taking part and a Car of the Day will be chosen.”

The entry fee for the run is £10 per car which includes tea or coffee and a bacon roll at the start of the day, and a commemorative plaque.